THE $3.5 million redevelopment of GO Edwards Park in Burswood has begun and promises to revitalise the area.

Among the features of the development is a nature-based play area, water sensitive urban design, bird hides, an increase in trees, a new path network linking Victoria Park to the Burswood Peninsula, and enhanced visibility through the reserve to encourage visitors and discourage anti-social behaviour.

A sod turning ceremony was held at the park today to mark the beginning of the project, which will be completed in five stages.

The park was created in 1978 under the supervision of City of Perth town clerk, George Oswald “Ossie” Edwards, and was later named after him in honour of making the project happen.

Mr Edwards’ son Terry said it was special that the work was going to be undertaken at the park.

“He was an administrator, a conservationist and a environmentalist,” he said.

Town of Victoria Park Mayor Trevor Vaughan said the improvements had been in the pipeline since 2011 and were the result of a collaboration between the council and local community groups.

“We are excited to see work beginning at GO Edwards Park,” he said.

“A significant amount of our community’s rates is being spent on this project and we are confident the highly anticipated upgrade will be met with appreciation from our community.”

Stage 1 of the upgrade is being done by landscape contractors LD TOTAL and will be finished by June 2018.